Amherst Middle School

Dear AMS Families,

It’s that time of year again—the air is crisp, the wind is biting, and yet, somehow, middle schoolers seem to think they’re impervious to the cold! As much as we admire their resilience, we also want to make sure our students are safe and comfortable during outdoor times.

Over the past week, the temperatures have been downright frigid, with some fierce wind to match. We’ve noticed many brave students opting to face the elements without coats, hats, or even long pants. (We’re not sure how they do it, but we’re certain they’re not practicing for a polar expedition!)

As a reminder, our students spend time outside in the morning before school, during recess and lunch, and at dismissal. Please help us encourage them to bundle up with coats, long pants, hats, and mittens or gloves. They’ll thank you later (even if it takes a few years).

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our kids warm, healthy, and ready to take on the day!

Be well,

Kristen Gauthier

Principal

Mike Cuddyer

Assistant Principal, 7/8

Matt Lane

Assistant Principal, 5/6

January 14 (Tues): Amherst School Board - Budget Public Meeting 5:30PM

January 20 (Mon): NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day

February 3 (Mon): Amherst Deliberative Session

February 12 (Wed): EARLY RELEASE 12:50PM

February 24 - February 28: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

March 11 (Tues): NO SCHOOL - Town Voting Day

During your students World Language class, January 21st or January 22nd, they will take a written placement test to help determine if they should continue with French or Spanish level Novice B or restart with with Novice A.

This year, we will be featuring book reviews written by our very own AMS readers! Many thanks to Ms. Maher in the library for putting these together each and every week. If your student would like to participate in The Book Buzz have them see Ms. Maher in the library.

Each week, members of our staff nominate students who go above and beyond to carry out our CARE behavior expectations (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Effort). These students help to make our school a better place to learn.

Stay tuned for next week's Best of the Nest award winners!

Please click HERE to learn more about upcoming dates for the SAU39 school budget process.

The chilly weather has arrived, and while our students are full of energy, their outfits aren’t always ready for the frosty air. We’re asking for your help to ensure your students are bundled up for morning and lunch recesses. Hats, gloves, coats, and warm shoes are highly recommended—otherwise, they might turn into ice sculptures before class! ❄️

Consider it a chance to dig out those gloves from the depths of the closet or finally reunite that missing mitten with its partner. Thanks for keeping our AMS community both stylish and warm this winter season!

If you student is going to be absent for an extended period of time please reach out to their team of teachers as well as our general office email ams@sau39.org so our office staff can be sure our attendance is accurate. Please know that teachers are not able to provide all work ahead of time, but will support the student to complete essential assignments when they return.

To order yours go to www.jostensyearbooks.com, prices starting at $27.

One of the best ways to be successful in middle school is to get involved. We have so many seasonal and year-long clubs available for students of all grades. Students can stay on top of schedules through our daily announcements in Launchpad/Morning Meeting. Refer to these images below for more specific information.

Pickleball club will only be offered on the following dates:

THURSDAY 2/13

WEDNESDAY 2/19

WED 3/5

WED 3/12

WED 3/19

WED 3/26

WED 4/2

Board Game Club will be held on Wednesday, January 15th, 3:45PM to 4:45PM.

Due to the increase in respiratory illnesses and the harsh cough associated with it, many students are being prescribed rescue inhalers (Albuterol) for their cough. This is considered a prescription medication and it requires parent permission and a doctors order on file (Rescue Med Form) with the school nurse for them to be allowed to have it in school. Also, students should not be carrying over-the-counter (OTC) medications on them. If they require an ibuprofen or acetaminophen during the school day, the health office with parent permission can administer them when appropriate. If the student requires an OTC medication the health office does not have, please bring in the medication with this completed form and the medication will be given as directed. Lastly, if your student was excused from physical education for an injury and was seen by a doctor, they will need a doctors note to clear them to participate in PE once they have recovered. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please feel free to call the health office for assistance. They can also be found on the SAU 39 website under Section J- students. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and keeping all students safe.

Please send in most recent physical and immunizations. In order to be compliant for school (per state of NH) your student needs their 7th grade Tdap vaccine. This is typically completed at their annual wellness visit in 6th or 7th grade and will be documented on their physical. Please help us keep all students safe and healthy by keeping up with all required vaccinations.

NH School Immunization Requirements 24/25

Becoming a member of the PTA doesn't mean signing your life away volunteering, although we can always use more volunteers. If you are interested in chairing an event/committee, are looking to get more involved or you want to meet some new people, log on to https://amherstnhpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ to complete your registration today!

You can also reach out to the PTA via email if you have any questions or concerns that need to be addressed before our first meeting, amherstptanh@gmail.com.

As you complete the PowerSchool Registration forms for school this year, please make sure to opt into the PTA Directory (it is the last form)! This will allow Clark Wilkins and AMS to share contact info directly with the PTA, making it easier for you to stay up-to-date with all PTA communications, including room parent emails.

PTA's Newsletter

Teen Vision Board

Tuesday, January 21st at 6:00pm

January is a great time to start to visualize and manifest your goals, dreams, and aspirations. Using a variety of materials like magazines, markers, and other craft supplies, teens will create personalized vision boards that reflect their dreams—whether it’s academic success, personal growth, future careers, or life experiences. Register for you and a friend today! Click to register

Keep checking back for more news about our wonderful community.

2024-2025: Check out this link for the 2024-2025 approved Amherst School District calendar.